The Sky Blues have been defeated 3-2 at the Ricoh Arena by Shrewsbury Town in the Checkatrade Trophy...

Joe Riley’s 90th minute free kick sealed victory for the visitors after goals from Tony Andreu and Marc McNulty brought Mark Robins’ side back from two goals behind at the break to draw level, but it was not enough.

“The first half was close until the half hour mark and then we stopped marking properly in the penalty area and they get two rebound goals. It was poor defending and that put us on the back foot.

“The second half was so much better. It was a makeshift defence from start to finish and the injury to Dion Kelly-Evans did not help us but we were also without Stokes, McDonald and Willis and that does have an impact.

“We tried to claw our way back into it but it should not take us until half time to get going.

“They were a good side. They’re unbeaten this season so far. He has really got them playing.”

The Sky Blues came out of the tunnel firing in the second half.

Andreu pulled one back for City six minutes after the break when he curled a 25-yard effort into the top corner. McNulty then drew Robins’ side level ten minutes later from the spot in what was a much improved second half.

“Callum Maycock was really good when he came on. Jordan Shipley was outstanding at left back and they contributed to a better second half.

“McNulty, Beavon and Jones started to come into the game and Vincenti was a real nuisance.

“During the second half, we really began to defend better as a group. It is just a shame we were two goals down by then, and then beaten by a really good and well struck free kick.”

He added: “I am disappointed by the result but I am encouraged by the second half performance when you look at the personal that we had out there.”